Long Draw Campground — Hotel in Estes Park

We loved Long Draw, however, we did not camp at the designated campground. The campground sites are close together but have a lot of trees to shelter the sites. If you don’t mind being packed into a small campsite and can’t go without a bathroom nearby, the campground seems fine. Bathrooms were adequately maintained but not the best we’ve ever smelled (comparing to Kelly Flats). We camped at a designated site a mile or two north of the campground. There are about 25 or so designated camp sites outside of Long Draw Campground and Grandview Campground (which is on the shore of Long Draw Reservoir), which is tent only. This is a high usage area but not overly crowded, in my opinion. This is a first come first served camping area!!!! To grab a site, plan to arrive in the morning and on weekdays. You’ll have to take your chances after noon and on the weekends. You’ll have to stay in Roosevelt National Forest if you have a dog. Rocky Mountain National Park has better hiking but does not allow dogs. Bring your kayak, SUP, or canoe to recreate on Long Draw Reservoir. It is cold at night! Bring a jacket, hat, warm sleeping clothes and gear! There is plenty of free campfire wood strewn along the side of the roads. WARNING: the road to this area is 10 miles of washboard and rocky gravel road. Make sure your vehicle and your nerves can handle it. The views and moose make the...

Such a great little spot! We will definitely be returning :-) Easy going, friendly host. Moose/elk/deer all grazing nearby! BEAUTIFUL! About a 5 minute drive to Longdraw Reservoir from the campground. Road in was well maintained. Even a small car could make it in during summer months... although, if weather is bad I would definitely wait. It can get really bad really fast up there. Bring emergency gear- do not underestimate mother natures ability to take a routine weekend trip and make it a nightmare. This is true wilderness and if you choose to go, use your brain a bit... remember the 6 P's (prior planning prevents piss poor performance) 😉 There are areas all around the lake that are good for dispersed camping...just please be aware of bears and other wildlife and for God's sake PACK OUT YOUR DANG TRASH! Campground was inexpensive and nicely laid out with both tent and RV areas...but further down the road you can dispersed camp for...

It will likely take you about an 1/2 hour to drive the 9 Miles from Highway 14 on the very bumpy, curvy Long Draw dirt road to arrive at this campground, but it is well worth your time. All sites are first-come, first-serve, so plan on getting there early on a weekend (starting Thursday). The sites and restrooms are well-maintained by the on-site campground manager. The hand pump at the campground well is easy to use and provides a reliable, quality water supply. Due to the dirt road and smaller size for the campsites (all back-in), this campground is better suited for tent camping and smaller RVs. At approximately 10,000' elevation, you can expect cold overnight temperatures, even in the middle of the summer, so be prepared. And downpours from thunderstorms are not uncommon...